With the weather getting warmer and warmer every day, you might be starting to take your workout routine outside on a regular basis. Here’s what you need to stay safe and comfortable while you’re exercising outdoors.

Lightweight, sweat-wicking layers. Since spring bridges the gap between winter and summer, its weather can be somewhat unpredictable in terms of temperature. Make sure you’re ready for whatever awaits you outside by dressing in breathable layers, including a lightweight spring jacket. That way you can simply shed layers if it ends up being a warmer run, but you won’t be left shivering if it’s a little chilly on any given morning. Make sure your layers are sweat-wicking to avoid skin irritation.

A hat or sunglasses. You’ll probably want to enjoy as much of that spring sunshine as possible! But maybe not when it starts to make you squint. Keep the sun off your face by donning a sweat-wicking hat or tossing on a pair of athletic sunglasses. Make sure the glasses fit well so they don’t slide down your nose as you run.

Waterproof sunscreen. Before you put on those glasses, make sure you apply a layer of sunscreen! Even when it’s not particularly hot, your skin can still be damaged by the sun—and who wants to deal with a sunburn before summer even hits? Find a waterproof sunscreen that can withstand sweating, and stick with SPF 30 or higher.

A handheld water bottle or water belt. Staying hydrated is super important any time you exercise, but even more so as the temperatures begin to rise. Make sure you take along plenty of water for your journey! Opt for a handheld water bottle, a CamelBak you carry on your back, or a water belt outfitted with several smaller water flasks.

If you’re looking to get into biking this season, but want to go somewhere that provides you with a sense of community, not just a bike, try Green Lizard Cycling. Opened in 2013, the family has created something special. While the bike shop is at the forefront, they also have a cafe and serve icy cold brews in the summer months. According to them, nothing goes better with biking than an ice-cold beer with your friends after a great ride. We don’t think anyone can argue with that, especially when Green Lizard serves up a list of just over 10 stellar craft brews at any time. If coffee is more your jam, you can ride by any day and grab a perfectly brewed cup, with beans roasted by an Alaskan coffee company they discovered while living there. Pair your brew with one of their locally sourced baked goods for the ultimate post-ride pick-me-up.

Now, back to bikes. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for you can schedule a time for them to help fit you based upon your requirements. Their ultimate goal is your happiness, so don’t be afraid to ask questions to get that perfect ride!

Has your dog had the zoomies being cooped up in the apartment for a while? Good news, there’s a solution. A trip to the Baron Cameron Dog Park! Bring your furry bestie on a ride and meet some new friends of both the dog and human variety.

The park is located at the intersection of Baron Cameron Drive and Wiehle Avenue with two areas for puppy playtime. One is open for all, whereas the other is for small dogs under 25 pounds who may not want to romp with the big dogs. Both areas are off-leash and have tons of space for running, playing and enjoying the great outdoors. One major perk of the park is how well-maintained it is. The town has dog park volunteers who report maintenance issues in a timely manner for ultimate upkeep, as well as clean up the space daily. It makes for a super enjoyable experience every time!

Open hours are 7:00 a.m. to just before sunset during the week and 8:00 a.m. to just before sunset on the weekends. Time to play!

Posted on May 27, 2019 by

For a fun, unique, and delicious dining experience, treat yourself to Ted’s Bulletin in Reston Town Center!

This inviting family restaurant is a showcase of classic American comfort food. The menu features items such as homemade pop tarts, grilled cheese, eclectic burgers, boozy adult milkshakes, and all-day breakfast.

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Does your idea of a good time involve curling up with a good paperback? Do you adore the smell of weathered paper and the feel of gently dog-eared pages so often found in used books? Or perhaps you have a special bookworm in your life.

Join your fellow bibliophiles and lovers of the written word, and browse the selection at Reston’s Used Book Shop! Serving book lovers for more than three decades, this enticing store offers a literary living room for readers of all ages. Enjoy special author events, a unique book club, and a buy-and-trade system.

Posted on May 7, 2019 by

Local foodies will rejoice at the annual Taste of Reston, held June 14-15, just steps from The Avant at the Reston Town Center!

Produced by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, Taste of Reston is the largest outdoor food festival in the area and was voted “Northern Virginia’s Best Food Festival” for the past six years by Virginia Living magazine.

Tantalize your taste buds and indulge in food samples from more than 20 area restaurants. Relax and treat yourself to a refreshing libation in the beer and wine gardens. Enjoy live music, cooking demos, and a Family Fun Zone.

Whatever your appetite, Taste of Reston will be a palate-pleasing experience for food lovers.
Admission is free, but food tickets are available for purchase. To learn more, visit http://www.restontaste.com/.

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Looking for some thought-provoking art to decorate your home? Attend the 28th annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival at the Reston Town Center!

Held May 17-19, the festival will be presented by Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE). View and purchase art from more than 200 artists from across the nation, and enjoy three days of live performances, acclaimed children’s activities, and more.

The festival is free and open to the public, although $5 donations per adult in support of GRACE are encouraged and appreciated. Each patron receives a robust festival program containing more than $100 in dining certificates, a map of the festival, and a complete artist listing.

Posted on May 14, 2018 by

Looking for some thought-provoking art to decorate your home? Attend the 27th annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival at the Reston Town Center!

Held May 18-20, the festival will be presented by Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE). View and purchase art from more than 200 artists from across the nation, and enjoy three days of live performances, acclaimed children’s activities, and more.

The festival is free and open to the public, although $5 donations per adult in support of GRACE are encouraged and appreciated. In return for the donation, each patron receives a robust festival program containing nearly $200 worth of dining certificates, a map of the festival, and a complete artist listing.

In addition, Balducci’s Food Lovers Market will be onsite offering samples of savory snacks and refreshing beverages at multiple booths and kiosks.

Posted on May 20, 2017 by

Looking for some thought-provoking art to decorate your home? Attend the 26th annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival at the Reston Town Center!

Held May 20-21, the festival will be presented by Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE). View and purchase art from more than 200 artists from across the nation, and enjoy two days of live performances, acclaimed children’s activities, and more.

The festival is free and open to the public, although $5 donations per adult in support of GRACE are encouraged and appreciated. In return for the donation, each patron receives a robust festival program containing more than $50 worth of dining certificates, a map of the festival, and a complete artist listing.

Posted on May 3, 2017 by

Looking to help some animals in need? Now through Friday, May 5, Reston Town Center has teamed up with the nonprofit GoodDogz.org to collect supplies for organizations treating pets in need. Items such as dog beds, blankets, toys, grooming products, leashes, and crates can be donated in collection bins located in building lobbies through Reston Town Center. Come out and make a donation!